Brahma barely walking, help needed

pnw_urban_chix

Hatching
Jul 28, 2025
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Hi everyone!
I'm new to BYC, first time posting here, although i have been a reader for years.

I have a 4 year old Light Brahma named Athena. About a week ago, I noticed her sitting down a ton and being very reluctant to walk, so I separated her from the rest of the flock. She will sometimes stand up and walk a couple steps but then will sit back down. She sits on her hocks a lot, with her chest in the air sometimes. Her tail will quiver while she walks and when she sits down she will sometimes settle on her right side and sometimes on her left. Also, when she flaps her wings, usually either the left or the right wing will hang and not fold properly, don't know if that's related. She has had a history of other chickens pulling out her feet feathers so usually her feet feathers are very cut short. She doesn't look listless, still pecking, eating, and drinking happily. Her appetite has gone down a bit I think, but not much; it is also very hot outside and she wants water more. Her poop looked undigested a few days ago and still may sometimes be a little, however, it is looking much more normal now although slightly runny. I will post pics below. I am quite positive that she has scaly leg mites, so have been treating her with warm foot baths and vaseline. I have also been treating her with vitamin B complex, 1/4 tablet orally per day because I have read that vitamin B deficiency can cause lameness. I have been feeding her standard purina layer feed, diced hard boiled egg, some treats, some greens, and oatmeal. I've been treating her for scaly leg mites for 4 days now, and I don't know if her trouble with walking will clear up when treatment is finished, advice would be welcome. I will post pics of feet below to confirm the scaly leg mites. It is dark outside, so I will get pics tomorrow morning. Thank you so much!
 
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Check her crop first thing in the am before she eats or drinks to make sure her crop is empty and flat. Post a picture of any abnormal poop, and the legs. Many times older hens may have problems walking due to salpingitis and internal laying. Does she lay eggs anymore? It can take weeks for leg scales to grow back in. I would keep treating twice a week.
 
I checked her crop and it is empty. She stopped mainly laying eggs when she was about a year and a half old, but she still lays us a couple every spring. She also has started molting if that chances anything. I will post pics soon. Thank you so much!
 
Here are pictures of her feet.
 

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What are you using to treat the leg mites? Vicks Vaporub, Vaseline, castor oil, and Nustock Cream (sulfur, camphor, and pine oil) are Ll very good to treat leg mites, and I would use it at least twice a week rubbed into the scales. Molting can be very hard on them. Offer her some scrambled egg or tuna for some extra protein.
 

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